Details about our offerings

In this studio we practice positive studio culture: Keeping the studio clean is everyone’s responsibility. A clean studio promotes respect among potters and creates a professional atmosphere. All studio guests are expected to clean the tools, wheel, walls, chairs, floors, and any other areas they use during their session. A tidy workspace helps spark creativity and makes the studio a more enjoyable place to work

One-Time Pottery Wheel Session
Available for Local and Out-of-Town Guests
Experience the creative joy of pottery with a our one-time pottery wheel session! Whether you’re a local resident or visiting from out of town, our workshop is the perfect opportunity to try your hand at the pottery wheel.Duration: 2.5 hours Cost: $85 per person
Included: Hands-on Instruction – Personalized Experience: Each session is tailored to your skill level. on how to throw on the pottery. 8lbs of clay (this includes glaze and firing fees) Instruction on throwing techniques, tools, and troubleshooting. You can keep up to 4-5 pots. Once your pots are leather hard (it usually takes a couple of days), our experienced potters will trim, fire, and glaze your pots with our studio glaze called Creamy Matte.  Please note: This class does not include instruction on trimming or glazing

Who’s It For? Locals: Take a break from the daily grind and dive into something new and creative. Out-of-Town Guests: Looking for a unique activity during your Southwest visit? Our one time pottery session is the perfect souvenir-making experience and a chance to unwind. Shipping is not included in the price of the session. Packing is available for $10 per person. We ship via USPS, and the shipping rate will be calculated when your package is ready. Once we have the shipping cost, we will inform you of the price, and you can pay via Venmo or Zelle prior to shipping

Studio Time (No Instruction):
Come and enjoy a relaxed environment for self-guided ceramics practice! This session is for experienced, intermediate to advanced potters. Come use our facilities to practice your skills and create your own work. Studio time is available during by appointment only. You will be given a introduction of studio set-up, tools, and equipment. Before you bring your on clay and glazes you must chat with Jackie to ensure your clay and glazes are cone 6. We do not supply towels. No production potters allowed.

Hybrid Learning: This session combines structured instruction with independent practice, making it ideal for individuals looking to improve their wheel-throwing skills while receiving guidance as needed. Over the course of 3 hours, you’ll have ample time to create and receive support on clay bodies, techniques, or any other questions you may have.

What’s included: 8lbs of clay (includes all material and firing fees) Instruction on throwing techniques, tools, and troubleshooting Guidance on any additional clay or pottery-related questions. After completing your pieces, you’ll need to schedule a separate trimming and glazing session to complete your pottery from start to finish. This is a great opportunity to learn and practice, with all the materials you need included. We look forward to helping you grow your skills!

 

Mixed Learning
Learn how to make a ceramic bowl, cup on the pottery wheel and learn to also make a cup or planter with slab building. No experience necessary. This 2.5-hour class is perfect for beginners wanting to learn the two  most common techniques used to make pottery. A totally creative experience. The First hour you’ll learn to throw using the potter’s wheel. The next hour you’ll learn to make vessels using the slab building technique.

What’s included:

  • 8lbs of clay (includes all material and firing fees)

  • Instruction on throwing techniques, tools, and troubleshooting

  • Guidance on any additional clay or pottery-related questions

  • After the pots dry (usually takes a couple of days), our experienced potters will trim, fire, and glaze the pots with our studio glaze called Creamy Matte

Learning to trim pottery

Trimming is an important step in pottery, for functional and aesthetic reasons; it plays a crucial role in ensuring its durability, function, and overall success in the firing process. Trimming is the last step which transforms a rough, thrown piece into something refined and well-balanced! It takes time to get the hang of trimming, so don’t worry if your first few pieces don’t turn out perfect. With practice, you’ll get a feel for the process. You’ll learn about:

  • How to use the pottery wheel to trim your piece. Position your work securely: Ensure the pot is stable so it doesn’t wobble as you trim. How to use even clay to anchor it to the wheel head. Center it: You’ll need to make sure your piece is centered on the wheel for even trimming. Sometimes using a bit of water or clay to create a sticky base helps. Trimming tools: These come in different shapes (loop tools, ribbons, etc.) and help you carve away clay. Wooden or Metal Ribs: These help smooth the surface of the clay as you trim. Calipers: To measure the thickness of your piece.

  • How prepare Your Pot: It is important that your piece is leather-hard (firm but still damp enough that it won’t crack). The clay should not be so soft that it squishes easily but also not so dry that it crumbles. If it’s too dry, you can lightly spray it with water to soften it up a bit. Trim the Base: Start with light cuts. Use a trimming tool to remove excess clay from the base and sides. Work your way from the center outwards, gradually refining the shape of the pot. Try to leave about ¼ to ½ inch of thickness in the bottom to avoid cracking.

    Check for Symmetry: While trimming, check your pot’s symmetry frequently. The key is to maintain an even wall thickness and a smooth curve. Adding a Foot (Optional): Some potters like to add a foot to the bottom of their pieces, which can be done while trimming. This adds a decorative touch and keeps the piece off the kiln shelf during firing. Smooth and Finish: Once you’re happy with the shape, use a rib to smooth the sides of your pot. You can also go over the surface with a damp sponge to refine any rough areas. Let It Dry: After trimming, allow the piece to dry completely before bisque firing.

What’s included:

  • Your own pots or make arrangements for leather hard pot

  • Instruction on throwing techniques, tools, and troubleshooting

  • Guidance on any additional clay or trimming-related questions

Basic Glazing
Glaze is a liquid that comes in many color and it’s used to waterproof, decorate and give pottery a smooth, glass-like surface.  The glaze serves multiple purposes, including: Waterproofing: Pottery is naturally porous, so applying glaze seals the surface, preventing liquids from seeping through. Decoration: Glaze can add color, texture, and visual interest to the surface of the piece. Smooth Finish: After firing, the glaze creates a smooth, shiny, and often glossy surface, giving the pottery a more polished look. Types of glazes. Glossy Glazes: Create a shiny, reflective surface. Matte Glazes: Give a more muted, non-reflective finish. Transparent Glazes: Are clear coating that allows the natural texture and color of the clay body underneath to show through. Under glazes are colored slips or liquid clay with various pigments added. They can be used to paint designs, create textures, and add color to your pottery, they remain matte after firing and are typically used as a decoration beneath a transparent or clear glaze. Some of the most common techniques are:

  • Brush on the glaze: Using a brush, apply the glaze in even coats, typically 2-3 layers. This method is ideal for pieces with detailed shapes or if you want to create a more controlled design

  • Dip the pottery: Submerge the piece into a bucket of glaze, ensuring the surface is fully covered. This method is quick and works well for pieces like mugs or bowls

  • Clean up: Its important that clean the bottom of the pieces, as this can make it stick to the kiln shelf during firing

Gift Certificates

A pottery gift certificate is a wonderful and unique gift idea. Its a great way to for someone experience the art of hand made pottery. We offer certificates for wheel trowing $85 and for slab building $75. Certificates are delivered via text or email. The recipient can then book a class at their convenience. Duration: 2.5 hours Included: Hands-on Instruction – Personalized Experience: Each session is tailored to the participant skill level. All materials and firing is included. Instruction on throwing techniques, tools, and troubleshooting. Participants can keep up to 4-5 pots. Once the pots are leather hard (it usually takes a couple of days), our experienced potters will trim, fire, and glaze your pots with our studio glaze called Creamy Matte Finished work is usually available to pick in a couple weeks.

Private and Group Events 

Our large, clean, well-lit studio can host group events of up to 15 people. To date, these events have included birthdays, family reunions, traveling, student groups, convention attendees, and company team building. Typically participants rotate between wheel throwing and hand building so everyone gets to experience the different techniques. We have a large hand building room adjacent to a spacious wheel-throwing room with 8 pottery wheels. We also provide space for snacks and refreshments. These events are a great and fun way to bond in a unique setting well indulging in an ancient craft.